On 10th January, the Federal Circuit court ruled that Novak Djokovic was allowed to play the Grand-Slam despite him being unvaccinated. This verdict came a week after he received a medical exemption regarding the same. This exemption earned a massive uproar in the country, where about 90% of the population is double-vaccinated and people are battling with the wave of Omicron currently.
Considering the previous uproar, the strategy and tactical analyst of Djokovic, Craig O’Shannessy predicts further fury and hostility by the population including the spectators of the game. Craig predicted that the fans will be hostile towards Djokovic at Melbourne Park.
In a talk with Reuters, he told that: “It is not going to be new to him; But even though he has the mental experience and toughness, this has the potential to be at a level, maybe, that we have not seen in tennis.” He senses that the dressing room won’t be the usual to him due to the resentment of the fellow players. However, the 34-year old seems to be well-equipped to receive such treatment.”
Djokovic granted medical exemption as he wins the prolonged battle on the way to defend his title
The World No.1 was granted medical exemption from getting vaccinated against COVID-19, after proving that he suffered with the infection the previous month.
Djokovic spent three days in immigration detention upon arrival to the Down Under, in a hotel after his visa was revoked owing to the defiance of the country’s COVID-19 protocols. This year’s Australian open rules openly state that the players along with spectators present in the stadium, are supposed to be vaccinated against the virus. Medical exemptions can be granted only on basis of medical factors and by independent panel of medical experts.
The 20-grand-slam winner’s claim for medical exemption was rejected before being favoured with the same last week. Djokovic was tight-lipped about his participation in the Australian open and his vaccination status as well.
To read more about his battle: https://sportsmanor.com/novak-djokovic-reportedly-arrested-in-australia-judges-allow-the-tennis-star-to-compete-in-australia-open/
However, Alex Hawke, Minister of Immigration considers to cancel the Serbian athlete’s visa and deport him, despite the court’s verdict.